One of the main draws to the Finger Lakes region of New York is its award-winning wines, wineries, and vineyards. That's why a visit to Upstate New York is not complete without a day trip around the best Finger Lakes Wine Trails! We encourage you to explore some of the several wine-producing trails that offer tours and wine tastings so that you can get a true taste of the FLX! 

With so many wonderful things to do and see in the Finger Lakes wine region, we can't possibly put it in just one blog. Unlock our free Vacation Guide to get a full list of local recommendations. From the best area restaurants to beautiful hiking trails, you'll find everything you need to plan the ultimate Finger Lakes vacation! You'll even get more recommendations for the best spots in Finger Lakes Wine Country. 

Sip Your Way Through These 4 Finger Lakes Wine Trails 

The wine trails throughout the Finger Lakes are committed to providing a safe and clean space for you to enjoy, and ask that you also adhere to the policies put in place at each winery! Many of the wineries? requirements are mandated by the New York State Liquor Authority and the State of New York to be open. 

1. Cayuga Lake Wine Trail 

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail has the honor of being the first-organized and longest-running wine trail in the country! It was first established in 1983 and includes 14 dog-friendly member wineries, as well as cideries, a meadery, four distilleries, and a taproom.  

Be sure to check out this trail's iconic spring events including the savory Bacon on the Lakein, Sips to Eclipse, and the Wine & Herb Festival! Each event provides inclusive wine and food pairings at each stop. 

2. Keuka Lake Wine Trail 

The Keuka Lake Wine Trail may not be the longest-running, but Keuka Lake was home to the first bonded winery. This region specializes in Vinifera wines, as this area was where they were first planted.  

3. Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail 

The Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail features 30 miles of Finger Lakes wine and food experiences! Sip their world-class wines and enjoy beautiful vistas along the rolling hillsides of Canandaigua Lake. 

4. Seneca Lake Wine Trail 

Sprouting in 1986, explore the largest wine trail in the state of New York! The Seneca Lake Wine Trail features 35 wineries, a distillery, two cider producers, two breweries, and a meadery on its path. This trail is known for its hearty grapes, though the wineries on the list have won plenty of awards for the delicate Rieslings. 

Learn More about Finger Lakes Wine Varieties

You do not have to be an expert on white or red wines, but having a bit of background information on the different wines you will encounter furthers your enrichment! From the dry European reds to the fruity French American whites, here is a quick crash course on the different varieties of wines found in the Finger Lakes.

European Varieties

The Finger Lakes wine country is known for its vast selection of riesling and chardonnay wine. Vitis Vinifera grapes are plentiful in the region of upstate New York and usually become dry or semi-dry wines.

Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Gamay
Lemberger
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Gewurztraminer
Riesling

Native American Varieties

Sparkling wines are top-rated on our wine trails. If you're familiar with the Finger Lakes? history and the names of our lakes, it's no surprise that we have fantastic Native American varietals. The majority of these wines have a strong grape flavor and aroma.

Catawba
Concord
Isabella
Vincent
Delaware
Diamond
Niagara

French American Varieties

In contrast to Native American varieties, French American varieties have less grape flavor. Many red wine varietals have a peppery flavor, while many white wines have a fruity flavor and floral aroma.

Baco Noir
Chambourcin
Chancellor
Dechaunac
Marechal Foch
Rougeon
Cayuga White
Melody
Seyval Blanc
Vidal Blanc
Vignoles
Traminette

Planning a Finger Lakes Wine Tour 

The Finger Lakes is home to over a hundred unique wineries.  Each tasting room has their own rules about hosting groups and reservations.  While not every winery requires a premade reservation, if you are traveling with a group of 8 or more, it is best to check with the winery.  Some tasting rooms that offer large group experiences will require reservations weeks, or months ahead of time. 

If you are traveling with a smaller group and want to stop into wineries throughout your stay, most are welcoming without a reservation.  As always, it is best to visit the winery websites before your arrival.  

Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties 

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While exploring the Finger Lakes wine region, rest each night at one of the most stunning homes  in the area. Finger Lakes Premier Properties has the best selection of socially distanced vacation rentals. We have over 260 vacation rentals on six of the 11 lakes, that are all close to the Finger Lakes wine trails. Plus, with our 24/7 customer service, you can rest knowing that you will be well taken care of! 

Check out our full  selection of homes and book today! We look forward to having you.